Beginners Guide To: Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are essential tools in any kitchen and while they might seem like a boring necessity, getting the right ones can make a world of difference in your culinary adventures.

What is it?
Cutting boards are durable planks designed for preparing food. They are most commonly used as a cutting, dicing, and chopping surface, but can double as serving trays, kitchen décor, or placemats for hot pots or pans.

I need this if…
If you do any home cooking or enjoy hosting, you will need a cutting board. They will protect your counter top from unwanted bacteria and destructive knife marks, as well as provide you with the perfect accessory to serve foods that need to be cut at the table, such as bread, meat, and cheese.

Which size is right for me?
When it comes to cutting boards, size should be dependent on your kitchen space. Of course, chopping tasks are easier when you have more room to work, and being able to push scraps + freshly cut ingredients to the side while still having space to work is helpful. Bottom line, however, your board has to fit on your counter. Choose smaller boards for those quick projects, like slicing lemons or limes for drinks, or chopping up some fruit for breakfast. Choose a larger board for carving meats or bigger projects, like chopping tons of veggies for a nice warm soup.

What material is right for me?
When choosing a material, it is important to keep a few things in mind. You want something that doesn’t help trap or breed any bacteria, is easy to clean, and will not dull your knife.

1. PlasticPlastic boards are the most inexpensive option. They are lightweight and because they are dishwasher safe, they are easy to clean. However, these boards are not as chic as other cutting boards and knife marks tend to make larger impressions in the plastic, leaving them to look worn and giving bacteria a place to get trapped.

2. WoodWooden boards are a favorite. These are traditional cutting boards, typically made of maple hardwoods or bamboo. They look attractive in any kitchen and can be kept out as décor, double as cheese boards, and even serve as protective placemats for hot serving dishes. Your knives will stay sharper for longer when paired with wooden boards since the material is softer and more forgiving. However, these tend to be slightly more expensive, are not dishwasher safe, and can warp or crack.

3. Composite or Rubber
If you’re looking for something that’s durable and easy to clean, synthetic cutting boards are the right fit for you. These can be made from many different types of materials and hold up to knives, dishwashers, and meat and fruit juices. They are also nonporous and known for keeping bacteria at bay. Rubber boards are softer on knives, while plastic and composite can dull blades.

How Many Should I Register For?
It’s helpful to have more than one cutting board. While making any meal you might have a series of different ingredients you’d like to chop up, and cleaning the board between each one can be very time consuming. It’s also a good idea to have one board for meat and another for vegetables to keep things separate. This protects against cross-contamination and will prevent you from spreading unwanted bacteria.

When picking out cutting boards, think about how you cook and what type of ingredients you use. Choose at least one larger and one smaller board for versatility, and choose a cutting board for raw meat and one for ready-to-eat foods.

One way to have enough cutting boards for all of your needs is to registry for a chopping board set.
These come in a color-coded or labeled set that includes a different board for each type of food. This helps ensure that you are not mixing up surfaces that you prepare raw meat on with those you are making salads or chopping vegetables on.